Hello gents,

Today I was talking to a wood craftsman near my home and I challenged him to make me a set of scales in wood based on the TI that I have. He liked the idea and started asking me what kind of wood I'd want him to use.
Heck, I don't know! I told him I don't understand much about wood, but I told him that a good wood for a straight razor should be hard, water-proof and beautiful.
He mentioned some types of wood from Brazil, but he says they're expensive.
What do you typically use to build a nice set of scales?
I was thinking asking him to make me a very dark (almost black) set of scales, something very similar to the Wengé wood.
Do you think it's better to him to use some kind of durable wood (which one?) and paint it several times to achieve the color I want?

Thank you for your opinions.